This metric is based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 Guidelines. It covers the requirements of Indicator G4-EN4​ - 'Energy consumption outside of the organization'

​Energy consumption occurs throughout organization’s upstream and downstream activities associated with its operations, including the use of sold products by consumers and the end-of-life treatment of sold products after consumer use.

Quantifying energy consumption outside of the organization provides a basis for calculating some of the relevant other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions in Indicator G4-EN17. Tracking and reducing energy consumption outside of the organization may improve the overall life-cycle performance of products and services, and be part of a comprehensive design program.

Methodology

This metric is looking for total amount of energy consumption (in gigajoules) outside of the organization:

For WikiRate researchers:

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Use G4 codes, G3 codes or keywords to quickly find values, keeping in mind that some companies report on the metric using different terms, e.g. G4-EN4, EN4 or energy consumption

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Global Reporting Initiative compliance guidance for companies:

To calculate the energy consumption outside of the organization - G4-EN4:​

Assess which of its activities cause the energy consumption outside of the organization itself, and assess the amounts involved. For this Indicator, exclude energy consumption reported in Indicator G4-EN3.

When determining the relevance of these activities, identify whether the activity’s energy consumption:

Contributes significantly to the total anticipated energy consumption outside of the organization

Offers potential for reductions that could be undertaken or influenced by the organization

Contributes to the organization’s risk exposure to climate change-related risks such as financial, regulatory, supply chain, product and customer, litigation, and reputational risks

Results from outsourced activities which were previously performed in-house, or activities that are typically performed in-house by other organizations in the same sector

Has been identified as significant in sector-specific guidance

Meets any additional criteria for determining relevance, developed by the organization or by organizations in its sector

Identify relevant upstream or downstream energy consumption in the following categories and activities:

Upstream

Purchased goods and services

Capital goods

Fuel- and energy- related activities (those that are not included in Indicator G4-EN3)

Upstream transportation and distribution

Waste generated in operations

Business travel

Employee commuting

Upstream leased assets Other upstream

Downstream

Downstream transportation and distribution

Processing of sold products

Use of sold products

End of life treatment of sold products

Downstream leased assets

Franchises

InvestmentsOther downstream

The upstream/downstream categories and activities above including their numbering correspond to the categories and activities documented in the WRI and WBCSD 'GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard'. The numbering has been maintained consistent for the ease of reference between G4 and the WRI and WBCSD 'GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard'. Calculate or estimate the amount of energy consumed in the above relevant categories and activities.

Reporting on this Indicator should include the following contextual information as a comment to the metric value: